Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a rare, but debilitating disorder. It is characterized by unwanted, aversive experiences of dread or a disturbing sense of impending doom. Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts that are performed to reduce the intensity of the aversive feelings (obsessions). In the United States, the prevalence of OCD is 2-3% of the population, and symptoms usually first arise in childhood.
The most common fears associated with OCD are usually contamination fears or fear that something is wrong. Checking and decontamination rituals, need for symmetry, counting, arranging, and repetitive superstitious acts are among the most common compulsions. Most people who suffer from OCD have multiple obsessions or compulsions.
If this disorder begins to interfere with everyday life, it can become impossible to function at work and home. We are here to partner with you on your journey.
REFERENCES:
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
Rodriguez CI, Kegeles LS, Levinson A, Feng T, Marcus SM, Vermes D, et al. Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial of Ketamine in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Proof-of-Concept. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2013 Jun 19.
Bartz JA, Hollander E. Is obsessive-compulsive disorder an anxiety disorder?. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2006 May. 30(3):338-52
